(From Nikon literature) Nikon Inc. has introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D-SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies.

Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.

“The D7000 D-SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control and an innovative feature set; this is a camera that enables D-SLR users to achieve a true expression of their creative vision, while concentrating primarily on image quality above all else,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “When you combine the innovation of the agile D7000 with the exceptional and robust line of NIKKOR lenses and accessories, the potential for D-SLR photographers and filmmakers is limitless.”

The D7000 D-SLR features an all-new 39-point AF System, which includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers toconfidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21-point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder.

Utilizing Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examines the scene’s brightness and color data then optimizes the camera’s performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally this new sensor allows for a new “Ambient” white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.

Nikon Continues the Low-Light FightThe D7000 D-SLR continues Nikon’s tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low-light, knowing they will capture high quality low-noise images. The camera’s native ISO range of 100-6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX-format territory. The resolution of the camera renders a pixel size of 4.78 μm, which allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain.

Full 1080p HD Movies with Advanced Video FeaturesBuilding upon the popular D90 D-SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus.

Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 D-SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 fps, or a web-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.

To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 D-SLR also incorporates a built-in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls.

By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low-light conditions. Combining the D7000 D-SLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon’s innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake.

No Compromise: Enhanced Build Quality, Durability and UsabilityThe compact design is lightweight enough for a full days use, but has a reassuring heft that hints at Nikon’s reputation for reliability. The durable camera body consists of a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon’s dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor. Among the well laid out ergonomics, users will immediately notice a new Mode Dial that eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings (U1, U2) to adapt to a users shooting style on the fly. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access the burst modes, timer, or the Quiet Shutter, to soften the cameras operation when shooting in sensitive environments such as a ceremonies or nature.

The D7000 D-SLR features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers a several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files. The built-in i-TTL Speedlight flash offers coverage for lenses as wide as 16mm and has Wireless Commander support so users can choose how to light their subjects. The D7000 was designed to provide maximum performance with minimized power usage and also employs a new EN-EL15 battery which enables up to 1050 shots when fully charged.

Nikon Technologies That Empower and InspireThe D7000 D-SLR contains many features aimed at empowering the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained.

The Picture Control system also allows the choice for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape settings to apply a personal look and feel to their pictures, and it’s versatile Scene Modes let them choose from Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results even in challenging conditions.

Price and Availability The D7000 D-SLR camera will be available throughout the United States beginning mid-October 2010 at an MSRP* of $1199.95 for body only and $1499.95 for body and lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

*MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time

See our Nikon D7000 Hands-on Preview at imaging-resource.com. Or post your own below!

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,000.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

viewfinder, sensor, features, command dials and controls

Cons:

AF with wide lenses, AF points disposition

the D7000 works perfectly, both as a backup for my D700 and alone with the long tele lenses.

The viewfinder is virtually the same as the D2x, so it's the best possible for a DX camera.
The dials are very well disposed, and the new controls for the AF mode works well too.

The sensor is very esigent, and the D7000 really needs the best lenses on the market.
Together with a good lens, the photos are gourgeous, with a very good color range and depth til 2000ISO and above.
Over 1600-2000ISO the in-camera NR control is a little too invasive, even in the RAW files, but the detail is still decent.

The only weakness i noticed is the AF sensors: together with wide lenses the AF has some hunting or, even worst, the focus is not correct even the green dot in the viewfinder says it's ok.
It happens randomly, not frequeltly but without apparent reasons.

But both for daily and intensive use the D7000 does its work very well, without reach the performances of the bigger (and full frame) D700, but better than any other DX camera Nikon has in catalog.

Absolutely reccomended!
a_

P.S. If you use the D7000 and a D3/D700/D800 at the same time, is a little frustrating discover that the multiselector on the back works differently....
Pushing the left arrow in playback mode, for instance, change the picture in the D700, and change the visualization details in the D7000...

Yucel

Registered: June 2011Posts: 15

Nikon D7000 review by Yucel

Review Date: 11/2/2011

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

Pros:

Good high ISO performance, perhaps best current APS-C sensor Nikon choice

Cons:

Memory Buffer fills after 10 RAW images, JPG image preview pixelates

Love my D7000, well, two D7000's.

The Nikon control positioning could be better, with the thumb wheels controling shutter speed being placed in a place where it can easily be moved unintensionally. But, this is a common Nikon issue.

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,199.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Improved color saturation replication

Cons:

AE a bit erratic in some conditions

I traded off my standard D300 to buy this after using the neighbors D7000 for a few days. Far and away better, more realistic color (less) saturation, especially in the reds. Cooler colors are also improved with a bit more saturation than the D300. I would agree with Hoosierdaddy about the AE being a bit skitish in some conditions. I don't like the battery door compared to the more robust D300 door. It looks like a D50 type door. Great bargain and actually an upgrade from a D300 overall.

fotolopithecus

Registered: March 2011Posts: 1

Nikon D7000 review by fotolopithecus

Review Date: 3/25/2011

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,199.00| Rating: 0

Pros:

Nice build quality, beautiful IQ, well thought out controls.

Cons:

Small buffer, unnecessarily complicated, to appeal to gadget freaks.

The AA filter appears to be slightly thicker than previous models, which necessitates a bit more sharpening in NX2 than with my D300. Typically with the D300 it was sharpened to 4, but with the D7000 it's about 5 to get the same degree of sharpness. I don't care about the piddly buffer because I rarely shoot more than one or two frames at at time, but if you do, it might be a problem, especially if you shoot in raw. Don't press two buttons on the camera at the same time or it may lock up, and you'll have to remove the battery to even turn the camera off. I did this when trying to set focus points, because I forgot the right procedure. In the end, its a truly great camera, with IQ you won't have to worry about being surpassed any time soon. pith

Hoosierdaddy

Registered: January 2011Posts: 4

Nikon D7000 review by Hoosierdaddy

Review Date: 2/20/2011

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,199.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Amazing capability for the price, nice upgrade for a Nikon user

Cons:

Hundreds of possible settings, a lot to learn to get the most out of this camera

Bought after shooting at the camera store at ISO 3200 and viewing results on a monitor, which were impressive. Fast shutter release. Improved viewing screen and AI ring allows manual focusing, so my old high-speed prime AI-Nikkors are quite usable for some great low-light photos. Live view makes shooting videos easy, and they look nice when played back on HDTV through HDMI cable. Cons: AE likely to overexpose in high tonal range situations, and AE and D-lighting are both inconsistent in high key lighting. Quite a few setting options.
After one month: I need to spend a lot more time learning how to get the most out of this incredible camera.